With fuel costs still rising and available parking spaces shrinking in size, it is no wonder people are opting to exchange gas guzzling cars in favor of getting fuel-efficient alternatives that are easy to maneuver around a city and won’t need as much maintenance as the former.

On the topic of city driving, this list aims to be as broad as possible by listing vehicles of all types, so all kinds of drivers will find a model that suites their taste. Built with superior engines and smooth exhaust systems, here are seven vehicles that will save you a buck or two every time you take a trip to the city.

Honda Insight EX

As an affordable hatchback, this car is adored by its owners for being very economical on its fuel consumption. While people won’t buy it for looks, comfort or anything else except its fuel efficiency, it does attract buyers, especially those who are just looking for something to drive long distances without having to worry about his or her budget for gas.

Hyundai Accent GLS

Comfortable and beautifully designed, the Accent is a car that’s literally a great “bang for your buck”, which is something that most cars can’t boast these days. Aside from fuel efficiency, it looks and drives like a luxury car without the brand being associated as one.

Hyundai Elantra GLS

One of the most relaxing vehicles on the market is also a fuel-efficient vehicle that has most of the features people look for in a product: great aesthetics and extra components that enhance the user experience.

BMW Z4 sDrive28i

For those expecting the Mazda Miata to top the list, I apologize. While the Miata and Z4 share almost the same quality when it comes to maneuverability, the Z4 is more fuel-efficient than its rival. The only downside is that it’s nearly twice as expensive. However, you’ll be saving money after only two years of usage.

Honda Accord EX-L (V6)

The popular Accord trumps other midsized vehicles for being reasonably fast in relation to its fuel efficiency. This feature along with an enticing price tag makes it a popular choice amongst drivers looking forward to cut back on gas money.

Subaru Impreza Sport Premium

Despite being the smallest car offered by its manufacturer, the Impreza is surprisingly roomier and easy to handle. Given that the car was derived from its Rally version, the specs from its counterpart make this one fun to drive and, more importantly, inexpensive.

Buick Verano Leather

For those with a few extra thousands in their wallet, you can’t go wrong with buying the Verano Leather. It has everything one needs in a vehicle: speed, comfort, style and, of course, a knack for keeping fuel in the tank for as long as possible.

While the move to hybrid fuel-efficient cars is already under way, people still buy gas guzzlers for a variety of reasons. And while most guzzlers are vehicles classified as cool or “must-own” like Lamborghinis and Hummers, the cost of driving one isn’t for people who can’t afford to buy a seat in a five-star restaurant every day.

But for those wanting to save more money, here are seven vehicles to avoid owning or renting.

F-150 Ford Raptor

Just by looking at the Raptor’s immense, you can already tell that it’s a one hell of a guzzler. If you don’t need an off-road truck to go wherever you want, then don’t buy this. You’ll save more money by saving on fuel. Seriously, the car consumes a whopping 11-16 miles per gallon. Yikes!

Mercedes-Benz G550

Like most SUVs, this car consumes more fuel than necessary to travel from one location to another. While the brand is innovating to better control fuel consumptions on its vehicles, this particular car still consumes between 12-15 miles per gallon.

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG

This is the second car from Mercedes under the same class that is a part of this list of worst gas guzzlers to hit the road. No surprise, huh? With a 5.5 liter V-8 engine, the car consumes between 12-14 miles per gallon.

Bentley Mulsanne

Taking the fourth spot on this list is Bentley with a 300,000 dollar price tag on this particular model. Equipped with a monster 6.8 liter V-8 engine, the car consumes between 11-18 miles per gallon.

Ford E-150 Wagon FFV

Like the Ford Raptor, the E-150 Wagon is an enormous beast. Can you imagine the roar of its engine every time you out the pedal to the metal? It has a 5.4 liter V-8 engine capable of consuming between 12-16 miles per gallon.

Bugatti Veyron

Yes, one of the fastest vehicles in the world had made the list! Depressingly expensive, anyone who owns this 2.3-million-dollar-luxury vehicle would most likely have enough dollars in his pocket to pay for the gas it needs to keep running. Despite having a huge engine, the Veyron only consumes 8-15 miles per gallon compared to the others on this list.

Dodge RAM 2500

This behemoth sports a 5.7-liter V-8 engine under the hood, consuming 13-18 miles per gallon. Where does it all go? Nobody really knows for sure. But what we do know is that anyone willing to spend this much cash for gas might as well buy a helicopter. At least he’ll also be able to escape traffic.

Sometimes, when we’re inside a hot, cramped jeepney for the 89th time in two months, we begin to wonder what it would be like to be in one of those comfy, stylish luxury cars that overtake us every five minutes. But envy not and wonder no more, because we have listed five reasons why you, and millions of other Filipinos, should be a Proud Commuter.

You get to save money

Riding a bus, train or subway can be a lot cheaper than filling up a tank of gas. It can also help you lower your other car expenses such as parking fee, auto repairs, tire wear, and even insurance if your cost is based on the number of miles you drive. Your vehicle may have a longer life and there will be no need to replace it as soon if you let it rest once in a while.

You get to save time

If you are in a hurry to go to school or work, try riding the train and subways. Take pleasure in using these technologies that are developed and improved as they can serve you better with more efficiency and effectiveness. You will never get caught in traffic if you ride these great transport systems.

You lessen your chance of getting lost

If you are not sure of how to get to your destination, it is advisable to use the public transport. With an automated voice announcing the destination at every stop, you probably won’t get lost unless you’re not able to hear it. That each destination’s name are plastered all through public transits proves further that you won’t get lost as long as you pay attention.

You lessen the risk of road accidents

You may also opt to use the public transit to lessen the risk of accidents, especially if you have just learned how to drive or if you are an elder. By not driving, you can at least use your phone, sleep, review or do other things you want. While the public transportation system has already greatly improved with new technology, there is also a guarantee that it is managed and operated well by specialized companies or the government. The drivers or operators from these organizations are also pros and well-trained to drive and keep the lives of their passengers safe.

You get to help in preserving the environment

Public transportation is very eco-friendly. It is undeniable that the increased use of private vehicles is contributing largely not only to traffic congestions but also to pollution, with an unimaginable amount of harmful chemicals emitted by our vehicle’s exhaust system. This results to experiencing the negative effects of global warming, which had done nothing but get worse in the past decade. Use public transportation when you travel at least occasionally and give the nature a break with lesser gas consumption and carbon footprint.

Ride the public transportation at times and enjoy the company of other riders while taking all these reasons to your advantage. You will not only gain personal benefits but also help solve the growing concerns in the economy and in the environment.

Adding all car-related expenses will surprise you as to how a great burden it actually is and how using public transport can help you save time and money, avoid getting lost, avoid accidents and preserve the environment.

Ever wondered what sort of materials your car is made of? It’s probably never crossed your mind before, but we here at Roberts AIMPC believe that it’s important for motorists to know the materials used in auto manufacturing. We hear a lot about the different parts that make up our vehicles, like the transmission, engine, exhaust system, but nothing about the actual raw materials.

Here’s a list of the five most popular materials in the auto manufacturing industry.

Steel

Did you know that the average sedan contains around 2,400 pounds of steel? And that’s not all. Most SUVs these days contain as much as 4,000 pounds of this heavy metal. Steel is used to form not just the main skeleton of the vehicle, but it’s also used in other parts such as the body panels and the steel tubes. And since steel manufacturing has greatly evolved over the years, car manufacturers have a wide array of different types of steel to choose from. That means more innovations that will ensure your safety on the road.

Aluminum

Although aluminium is said to be a new material in the world of auto manufacturing, it’s becoming increasingly popular because of its tough yet lightweight nature. Aluminium is used to create the body panels of the lighter and more performance-oriented modern models like the Acura NSX and the Audi R8. Over the past years, we’ve seen automakers switch from the traditional iron blocks to aluminium construction for engines. It may not be as durable, but it guarantees a big boost when it comes to overall performance.

Plastic

This is a favourite raw material in the auto industry primarily for its durability and flexibility. Today’s modern cars use a tremendous amount of plastics, making up almost 50 percent of total construction. From your dashboard, to the gauges, dials and switches, and even seat belts and airbags, all these are made from some form of modern plastic. It’s also used in some parts of the body structure for its lightweight nature.

Rubber

Apart from fuel, what does your vehicle need in order to run? Tires, of course! And this is why rubber deserves to be on our list of top 5 materials in auto manufacturing. Many people may take their cars’ tires for granted, but without it, the auto manufacturing industry will be in a standstill – literally. The rubber part of the tire is what protects the wheel and its internal parts from constant friction, making fuel mileage and road safety possible.

Glass

Lastly, let’s not forget glass. Can you imagine your car without glass? Because we ourselves sure can’t. Glass is one of the unsung heroes of auto manufacturing. Without it, it would be either impossible or unsafe for us to see our surroundings as we operate our vehicle. Although its primary use can be found in windshields, you can also see traces of glass in the rear and side view mirrors. You’ll also find that’s it heavily used in the navigation screens for the more recent car models.

Cars are much like any product – they are fads that come and go. Some are hits while others simply miss the mark. Although their main purpose is to transport people and things from point A to point B, a great percentage of potential buyers are particularly influenced by the aesthetic value of certain vehicles over more practical elements like safety features and performance. On the other hand, there are those who base their criteria solely on the practical aspects while placing little importance to the vehicle’s look.

With this notion in mind, we here at Robert AIMPC have made two lists: the first about inferior models that didn’t sell well and the second about quality cars that didn’t do well on the market either.

If Looks Could Kill

Subaru Tribeca (2006 – 2014)

This year marks the end of production of the mid-size SUV for the Japanese brand. While Subaru has gained momentum during the aforementioned years, the Tribeca didn’t get any share of the limelight. When it entered the market in its first year, the sporty driving was standout, but other features didn’t do so well. It wasn’t visually pleasing with its generic styling and the front grille resembled the WRX STi of the same year, which didn’t help either. The dashboard surrounded the passengers in a not-so-engaging manner and the third row was cramped to the point that even anorexics wouldn’t even comfortable with it.

Overall, the Tribeca didn’t do as well compared to its competitors and other Subaru models. Of course, its driving experience is a huge advantage, but it doesn’t really make up for the lackluster features.

Honda Civic Si (2002 – 2005)

Four years of production is pretty short and an example of that would be the hatchback version of the very popular Civic Si circa 2002 to 2005. Similar to the Odyssey minivan, the Civic Si had the most powerful Honda engine at that time, but it didn’t possess the same hi-revving traits that their power plants were known for.

To be fair, significant elements of the car weren’t compromised; however, what threw it off was its generic style that turned off enthusiasts that was previously attracted to its predecessors like the EK9 and the EG6.

Lexus HS250h (2009 – 2011)

With an even shorter production of three years, the HS250h from Lexus was received with very little praise. The tight interior and the small trunk, along with engine noise that seeps in the cabin unnecessarily, are just a few of the design mishaps that made the model an unpopular one.

Furthermore, the Lexus HS250h was way heavier than Toyota’s Prius, and we know that weight is the big enemy of fuel economy. And besides, the poor design couldn’t even pass for a sedan version of the Prius anyway.

What furthered its quick downfall was that it wasn’t very much like Lexus in terms of passenger comfort and style, which is a hallmark for Toyota’s luxury arm. Despite all this, Lexus was able to learn from its mistakes and released a more appealing successor.

Diamonds Still in the Rough

Mazda MX-5 Miata

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t this the car that has been around for almost three decades now? The one that continues to reward buyers with its simple, back-to-basics and, most of all, fun driving experience?” Yes it is, and this affordable coupe is built with the finest bolts, gears, and steel tubes for a performance worthy of a 12-hour road trip, and more.

The Miata has proved to be so popular that little has changed to its winning formula – lightweight, nimble and fast.

However, the weekend warrior in us has been overtaken by other adult responsibilities and the chances in enjoying this car to its fullest are being diminished. That’s why, here in the Philippines and the rest of the world, sales of this magnificent automobile has declined and it’s now considered to be more of luxury than a necessity.

Porsche Cayman

The Cayman is one of the little siblings of the venerable 911 that’s been around for more than half a century. Now the Cayman is a very good sports car, combining a powerful flat-six engine with a light weight chassis that Porsche has just updated. Another characteristic of this balanced coupe is the availability of a manual gearbox, which connotes to a raw experience that is very fulfilling when executed right. The suspension is plenty firm, although the ride is best described as neutral.

While it is a very fabulous automobile, it is largely overshadowed by the heritage of the 911 honed primarily by the racing efforts of Porsche throughout its existence. In buying a Porsche, you’d want the pride of a 911, all brought by its different variants in the range. Anything other than a badge with these three famous numbers just won’t cut it, and I bet you can count by your fingers how many Cayman models your salesman neighbor has sold.

VOLVO S60

The S60 is a sporty sedan by the folks from Sweden, and it is a remarkable vehicle. The dashboard is well laid out and doesn’t bombard you with a ton of weirdly placed switches. The power delivery of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is smooth and there is a lot of oomph to pull you out of the worst driving conditions. The ride is firm yet comfortable enough and the steering is responsive and direct. Since its Swedish, you get technologies that actually aid you to make the trip less of a hassle.

All-wheel drive or front wheel drive are the only available options, and customers looking at this segment would prefer rear-wheel drive or the former. It’s quite expensive too, having a price that’s almost twice its competitors. And since it’s a Volvo, the brand has been associated for dull drivers and doesn’t have the swagger or finesse of say a Mercedes-Benz or Lexus. The S60 is a refined vehicle that doesn’t leave a lot to be desired, but Volvo needs to work harder in persuading people that their product can rub elbows with the rest of the market.

James Bond has been behind the wheel of some of the sexiest cars in movie history, which includes the legendary Aston Martin DB5. However, after witnessing the advancement of technology through the evolution of 007 films, one would think that the greatest spy of all time would be granted more access to modern muscle cars. Here are just a few of the models that are worthy to be driven by Mr. Bond himself.

Chrysler 300 SRT8

The Chrysler 300 SRT8 is a wild monster the famous James Bond will never get the chance to tame. The directors and producers simply won’t allow it for purposes only directors and producers will understand. Maybe 007 just doesn’t look fitting to be driving such a raw machine. Sadly, the bitter truth is that the name Bond will never be seen on the silver screen driving a 300 SRT8.

2008 Dodge Challenger

The 2008 Dodge Challenger is the epitome of modern muscle cars. It defines what should and should not be with naught but its existence. Its classic, macho metal stamping and powerful engine makes other muscle cars shiver in fear. I’ve driven one of these, and all I can say is that Bond might never dare to drive one for fear of blowing his cover as a secret agent; everyone would see him coming!

2000 Ford Mustang Cobra R

Epic – the only word to describe the Mustang Cobra R is Epic. If Zeus had an affair with a car, this is what their son would be. Capable of going toe to toe with the gods themselves, even Hercules would think twice to underestimate the Mustang Cobra R in a wrestling match.

Surely, such divine automobile would be worthy of being driven by the capable hands of none other than 007 himself. But, as gods would play with the fates of heroes in the story of the Iliad, Bond will probably spend the rest of his days creating an ocean of drool as he wishes for this car to be on his next blockbuster.

Chevrolet Corvette ZR1

The ZR1 is the fastest and most powerful vehicle that Chevrolet has ever produced. These words coming from the iconic car manufacturer themselves. That being said, what other reason is there not to put 007 behind the wheels of one? No answer there, unfortunately. Except maybe because he might not be able to handle the handcrafted. 638-horsepower, supercharged V8 engine. We’ll probably never find out but it is certainly worth drooling about!

Dodge Viper

Many disappointed awakenings have been caused by the Dodge Viper. It somehow slithers its way into the slumber of every automobile lover. It stings a powerful venom into the part of the brain which controls dreams and makes one believe that he or she is actually behind the wheel of a Dodge Viper.

I am proud to say that I personally have been stung by this venomous curse countless times as I slept in the confinements of my bed, for I am a true lover of cars. This is probably the single factor connecting me to the great Bond for he too wishes he drives such a masterpiece. If you’ve never dreamt of driving this incredible sexy car, then you probably should start searching to where your automotive spirit has gone.

2013 Camaro ZL1

There is absolutely nothing that can resist the charms of the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Coupe – not even James Bond. Raw power and precision slammed perfectly into one package. A modern car born already classic, the ZL1 has caught the breaths of countless onlookers. There is nothing wrong with Bond being behind the wheel of this American muscle, except for the fact that 1983 was the first and only time 007 was seen driving a Camaro. As to why this is baffles me to this day. Maybe it’s time to blame the producers and directors once more. Maybe someday we behold this sight once more, but for now, 007 can drool away.

2013 Ford Shelby GT500

If there ever was a car that would make James Bond drool, it’s the 2013 Ford Shelby GT500. It is both classic and modern at the same time. With 650 horses at your disposal, the 5.4-liter engine this beast has mounted on its chassis can eat Bond Villains for breakfast.

Don’t be fooled though: this car may not be as expensive as a gold plated Lamborghini, but it sure as hell carries a heavy price tag. This is not a car you can just buy from the dealership as you normally would. No, this car buys you. If, for arguments sake, you do purchase one, be on the lookout for one eyed, casino addicted Bond villains! It never hurts to have a defibrillator ready in your compartment!

The New Year marks the start of something new for a lot of people: new resolutions, new lifestyles, new beginnings, and for all the car enthusiasts… NEW CARS! That’s right, with 2014 well under way, automakers are cranking their gears to come out with the latest, spankin’ new cars that will make your tongue drop and your eyeballs do donuts in their sockets due to their awesome design and superior metal stamping. We’ll quit the chatter and take you straight into this list of awesome cars to look out for this year!

Ford F-150 Tremor

Even if the Ford’s F-series is the best-selling car the nation has seen in the past three decades, they’ve decided to take it up a notch. With more aluminum parts to reduce weight but retaining its power to perform, fuel efficiency, and hi-tech additions, this mechanical beast will no doubt be a step up in Ford’s auto evolutionary ladder.

Chevrolet Corvette Stingray

Touted as “America’s Sports Car”, the all-new Chevy Stingray is reading to conquer the road with a totally re-modeled chassis, body, and a 450-horsepower, 6.2-liter V8 engine. Vroom! Vroom!

Hyundai Genesis

It’s rare to see an Asian car dominate in an American market, much less the sports car market, since Asian-made vehicles are known much more for their fuel economy than their design. Surprisingly, Hyundai is one of the Asian automakers to successfully marry both form and function, with the new 2014 Hyundai Genesis looking as futuristic as it can be.

Mercedes Benz S-Class

Mercedes’ redesigned flagship introduces an entirely new feature to its driving system: automated assistance that keeps you aligned to road markers. Other interesting add-ons include rear seats that can simulate a hot stone massage, and ionization and perfuming capabilities in the ventilation system. The all-new S-Class puts the “s” in “supreme comfort”.

Lexus RC-F

All we can say for now about the Lexus RC-F s is that it will definitely cause countless, mesmerized stares thanks to its unique combination of unique shapes, curves and angles, especially in the hood area. And oh: Lexus is made by Toyota.

Honda Fit

If you’re looking for a car that’s dependable and maneuverable, the 2014 Honda Fit is for you.

Cadillac ELR

If there’s any way to sum up the ELR, it’s this: Hybrid luxury car. That means improved fuel efficiency and reduced fuel emissions, leading to a cleaner and greener earth.

Jaguar F-Type Coupe

The company notes that this car will focus solely on its performance. In retrospect, the F-Type Coupe is a much sleeker and sexier version of its sibling: the F-Type Convertible.

Mini Cooper

Mini Cooper fans, rejoice! New versions of the 2014 Mini are set to debut, with a 5-door version in the works.

Alfa Romeo 4C

One look at its design clearly shows that the 4C was conceptualized with aerodynamics in mind to maximize top performance and speed.

The number one enemy of drivers is, undeniably, distractions that take away their focus away from being safe on the road. In this entry, let us take a look at five of the most common driving disturbances.

Pedestrians

Correction, make that ignorant pedestrians. There are two kinds. First are the impolite ones. You know, the ones who cross the street/road without any regard for oncoming vehicles that have the right of way. Then, when they get hit, it’s your fault. What kind of sense is that? It’s like they have a death wish when they walk on the road.

The second type are the walkers who take their sweet time, like they’re taking a stroll in Luneta Park or the beach. Come on, you’re not the only people on the street.

The remedy for these distractions is usually a bop of your horn. Only then do they get out of the way, resist crossing, or move faster.

Road courtesy is a two-way street. If drivers and pedestrians learn to respect one another, they’ll get along on the road just fine.

Stray animals

Wandering dogs and cats are more annoying and frustrating than pedestrians. Their small size makes them harder to spot and dodge, and their light weight also makes their movement faster, making drivers more prone to hit them without even recognizing it.

Dealing with stray animals takes extra concentration and sensitivity, but like with pedestrians, you can avoid these accident hazards with a gentle bop of your car horn. That should do the trick.

Angry Tobey Maguire

Other drivers

Some drivers don’t know what they’re doing. It’s like they woke up in their car in the middle of the road. They usually drive slow and don’t know where to go. Is it left? Right? Forward? Reverse? These kind of drivers are like moving roadblocks; a hassle to yours and everyone’s time.

It’s a wonder why they ever got behind the wheel in the first place. Best advice when dealing with them is to honk your horn and signal to overtake them. They’ll get the message.

PUVs/Js

Public utility vehicles (PUVs) and jeeps (PUJs) are notorious for stopping in the middle of the road to unload and load passengers. That’s understandable, as they need to earn a living. But still, it’s not an excuse, and we it is everyone’s wish that they only step on the breaks at the proper stops. If not, they cause all kinds of damage to a car’s metal stamping, paint job, you name it.

Racy billboards

We get that companies need to advertise their products for their business to thrive. But really, do you have to use images of scantily clad models? It’s very distracting to see popping body parts. Clothing companies are to blame for this, featuring their endorsers only in skintight underwear.

Despite these 5 distractions, we hope you’ll keep your eyes focused on the road for a safe journey every time you drive.

On June 16, 2013, former President of the Philippines and Manila City Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada passed the Manila Traffic Management Committee Resolution No. 1, or what is now commonly known as The Manila Bus Ban.

This enactment aims to alleviate the traffic conditions within the city by specifically regulating buses that have no franchises and those that have no terminals in the city.

Buses have gained notoriety for their drivers, who supposedly stop in the corner of a street in certain areas of Manila to load and unload passengers. A 30-second stop may seem insignificant at first, but the collection of buses crawling their way through the streets of Manila result in hours of idle time. At this slow, boring rate, how will the good people of the Philippines reach their targeted restaurant, workplace, radiator shop, and favorite aerobics studio in time?

While there have been strong opinions against implementation of this new regulation from commuters, bus drivers and owners, The Bus Ban does make sense on several levels, especially in the Philippines, where traffic regulations are often identified as mere suggestions.

Firstly, the ban is the first step in easing the traffic condition in Manila, one of the nation’s most car-congested areas. According to reports, this is only the beginning. They will also include video surveillance, a sticker and numbering system, and designated drop-off and loading points within the city in the future. Not only will this de-congest the streets of Manila for the benefit of pedestrians and other drivers, but it will also establish better organization on the part of the city officials from the grassroots.

This move also promotes much needed road courtesy. As a driver, I greatly dislike public utility vehicles (PUVs) when they suddenly stop in the middle of the road to take in or alight passengers. This is a very common practice amongst the majority of the PUVs in the Philippines, one that is highly disrespectful and insensitive to other drivers who need to get to their destination. The bus ban, aside from reducing congestion, will also prevent unnecessary vehicular and pedestrian accidents on the road.

Another reason why this regulation is very practical and ingenious is because it also allows traffic officials to catch colorum buses and those that operate without a franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). It instills a sense of law and order among bus operators to at least get legit franchises from the LTFRB or put up a terminal in Manila to allow them to ply the routes within Manila.

But the greatest positive of The Manila Bus Ban is that it shows the fortitude of a politician to follow through with an act he/she passed. Amidst the negative feedback and threats he has received from several bus operators, Erap has still pushed for this bus ban to be complied with. “’Wag niyo lang subukan.” were his words to those who seemed adamant to defy the new traffic plan.

Undoubtedly, this is an example to be followed. A politician like Erap focused on the quintessential problem in the Philippines: traffic. There are many other highways that could use a similar plan to alleviate traffic conditions (EDSA and Roxas Boulevard, to name a few). When The Manila Bus Ban becomes the great success it is destined to be, I can’t wait to hear about an EDSA, Quezon City, and even a Makati Bus Ban. In the end, this is something that will greatly benefit our nation.

Year after year, the list of the world’s greatest cars continue to grow rapidly. There is no question that every year there would always be another new lineup determined to outshine each other for the top spot.

To settle the score as to what car models really deserve the most recognition, we’ve constructed a list of ten incredibly awesome vehicles formulated to guide you in (or perhaps nudge you into) buying your dream car.

Automotive critics and car owners have spoken and made a lineup of paramount must-see and must-buy vehicles for 2013. Here’s a brief rundown covering all types of cars ranging from coupes to off-road trackers.

1) PORSCHE BOXSTER S

Living up to its high expectations, the Porsche Boxster is crafted with a lightweight aluminum chassis, making it weigh less (under 3,000 lbs) compared to its previous generations. The Boxster harbors a 315hp and a 3.4-liter flat-six-engine. If you’re looking for a car with top-notch speed, reliable function, and sexy aesthetics, then you’re in it for this one.

2) MERCEDES-BENZ E-CLASS

One of the finest manufacturers in producing luxury cars, Mercedes-Benz presents their E-Class model to motorists who seek premium luxury in cars. With its balanced performance and opulent classy interior, you won’t settle for anything less than an E-for-“Excellent”-Class.

3) DODGE DART

Inheriting its design and composition from Italy’s renowned Alfa Romeo cars, Dodge brilliantly comes up with a small car model that might actually be more than what you’re paying for.

The Dodge Dart is engineered with a European-derived suspension that is mainly responsible for the smoothness of its drive. That it has quality car parts and superb handing capabilities further establish its awesomeness. Available in 3 to 4-cylnder engines with a 160 to 184-hp, the Dart is marketed as an economical package with a remarkably stylish interior and exterior.

4) HYUNDAI ELANTRA

Famous for being the Budget Car of the Year, the Elantra delivers reliable engine power and renders a generous space for passengers plus cargo. This vehicle is budget-friendly with a high fuel-efficiency rate. Also, it’s built with a 4-cylinder engine and a standard 6-speed manual transmission; the 6-speed automatic is optional.

5) LEXUS ES-SERIES

For an exceptional taste in design with nifty features to add to the bundle, the ES runs on a V6 engine appraised by reviewers with its “refined” performance delivery. Its 6-six-speed automatic transmission propels the power directly to its front wheels.

6) TOYOTA AVALON

A re-emergence from its previous model, the new and improved Toyota Avalon parades a fresh and modern design. It is manufactured with a stiffer chassis and impressive handling. Drivers highly appreciate its standard V6 engine and 6-speed automatic transmission which gives it suave gear changes. The interior is comfortable and classy, with more space to accommodate than its predecessors.

7) HONDA FIT

Officially declared as the Best Subcompact of the Year and recognized twice as the Best Car for the Money, the Honda Fit is both affordable and comfortable. This hatchback will make the most of your cash as you can take it out on family outings and road trips without worrying about any space problems at all.

8) LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER EVOQUE

The Evoque is capable of venturing off-pavement trips as well as practical-everyday-driving in the city. It’s equipped with high-tech features that are intended for your convenience. It sports a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, a 6-speed automatic transmission, an all-wheel drive and Land Rover’s Terrain Response system.

9) BMW 328i

The 328i is no doubt luxurious in all aspects. Quipped with non-substandard handling prowess and highly-regarded fuel efficiency, this vehicle is also made with a 2.0-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that will allow you to perform nippy accelerations. It’s designed to be more spacious and cover more mileage among its class.

10) MAZDA CX-5

The CX-5 is a well-recommended compact SUV with terrific handling and safety features, top-rated fuel-economy, and an outstanding manual transmission. Powered by a 155-hp and 4-cylinder engine, this transport is also praised for its enticing interior and quirky exterior.